Not even that comparison is fair to uber. From Uber's point of view, his actions are indistinguishable from someone who hailed an uber and changed their minds.
Now, I don't know why uber didn't offer him the benefit of the doubt, but they were well within their rights not to refund. They did nothing unethical.
If someone steps on the back of your shoes, is reacting the same way as if they had stolen them not counterproductive?